James Roy (Jim) Brown Sr. was born July 30, 1932 in Portsmouth, Ohio to Roy Brown & Mary (Scales) Brown. Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1951 and while there, was in the band and very active in sports.

Jim moved to Akron in 1956, working for the John G. Ruhlin Construction Company. He started out as a truck driver and moved up in the ranks to become Safety Superintendent.  Jim worked for Ruhlin for 31 years, then transitioned to Construction Employers Association (CEA) where he was a certified OSHA instructor. Jim worked for CEA for 35 years as Safety Director and received numerous awards from State and National Safety Councils.  In 1993, Jim was elected as “Safety Professional of the Year” for the All Ohio Society of Safety Engineers.  In 2016, he received the CEA Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into the inaugural class of the CEA Hall of Fame.

Jim married Patricia JoAnn Hollis on October 11, 1958 at Wesley Temple A.M.E. Zion Church.  Together Jim and Patricia raised three children, James Jr. (Jimmy), Larry, and Twila.  Jim and Patricia bought land in Copley, and Jim and his sons, along with some friends, built their home by hand.

In his youth, Jim boxed Golden Gloves and touted a record of 15-0-1. He played fast pitch softball, bowled, loved playing horseshoes and cards, and was an excellent dancer.

Brother Brown was a member of the Prince Hall family of the Free Masonry.  Serving in York Rite and Scottish Rite, having served in all houses of Masonry and held offices at the Grand/State level.  Currently Past Master of Phoenix Lodge #112, United Supreme Council of the 33^rd degree, and recently elevated to Hannibal Tabernacle #78 of Ohio.

Jim was a long-standing member of Wesley Temple and served the church and his community for over 60 years in different many roles.  Some of them include Sunday school superintendent and assistant superintendent, member of the male chorus and mass choir, teacher of both adults and youth, trustee board member, worship leader for the Wesley Temple evangelism department, and Wesley Temple Boy Scout leader.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Henry, Michael, Cornelius, David, and his sister Margaret.

Remaining to mourn Jim’s absence are his wife Patricia, children Jimmy (Alicia), Larry (Donna), and Twila. Brothers Leo (Bev), Tony (Yvette), and Dwight (Mary).  Sisters Shirley (Sylvester) and Dorothy Jean (Carl).  Jim also leaves behind 9 grand-children, 16 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.